OVERVIEW

Day 1

Johannesburg City – Soweto- Apartheid museum
This afternoon visit Soweto with an experienced local guide. You visit Soweto township, Freedom Square and Hector Peterson Memorial.

A walking tour and drive will take you to and past various points of interest. Home of Mandela, Winnie Mandela and the FNB stadium. Home to the late former president, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Then it’s the Apartheid Museum which illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression, and is an absolute must-see.

Main Destination:

• Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Outlook Lodge Lakefield
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Johannesburg

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 2

Blyde River Canyon – Panorama Route

You depart for the beautiful Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga.
Follow the scenic Panorama Route and admire God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the various Canyon waterfalls. Pilgrim’s Rest is an authentic historical village dating from the first South African gold rush and now a National Monument.
Time permitting, a swim in the beautiful MacMac pools to cool off.

Main Destination:

• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Panorama Route, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Mosswood Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located just outside Blyde River Canyon

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 3

Kruger National Park + sunset safari

You arrive in the late morning at the famous Kruger National Park and begin your safari into this bush veld wonderland. Enjoy a light lunch from a view point on the banks of the mighty Sabie River. Continue your game drive and around 3 pm check in at Lower Sabie camp.

At 4:30 pm you begin your exciting late afternoon/sunset game drive with a professional game ranger. The professional game ranger will enthrall you with stories of the African bush and point out the Big 5 and other rare and endangered species (included).

Please note these safari activities can only be operated by the parks board, therefore making it a special experience.

Main Destination:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• May to September (Dry season)
• High Season
• December to January and July to August
• Best Weather
• Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)
• Wildlife in Kruger NP

Accommodation:

• Lower Sabie Rest Camp
• Mid-range bungalow located inside Southern Kruger

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 4

Kruger NP + bush safari walk + nocturnal safari

After breakfast and perhaps a nap you drive into the African Savannah and wildlife in all its splendor, or/and relax in camp beside the pool or on the banks of the Sabie River.

The Kruger Park is home to almost a thousand bird species, amongst them many birds of prey. Much wildlife can be seen whilst driving along the banks of the Sabie river including predators like lion, leopard and even the endangered wild dog/painted wolf.

Tonight you participate on a night game drive (included) which is guided by an experienced game ranger with unsurpassed knowledge of the African bush.
Nocturnal game drives are where you shall encounter those elusive nocturnal animals who are mostly seen after dark. Including African cats both big and small.

Main Destination:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Oliphants River Camp
• Mid-range chalet located inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Day 5

Safari Walk & Kingdom of Swaziland

Early morning safari walk with armed rangers (included). You experience the Kruger on foot, rangers will show you all sorts of amazing things, such as plants, insects, reptiles, tracks, Big 5 & provide superb information on them. You encounter large & small mammals on your walk and get close enough to experience these ultimate encounters.

Depart for the Kingdom of Swaziland (passport required). The landscapes are very similar to those of Switzerland. You visit Ngwenya Glass Factory and the worlds oldest mine. Time dependent visit a great example of San (Bushman) rock art created by indigenous people that once roamed Southern Africa alone. Or visit Swaziland’s oldest game reserve where you get to walk amongst fauna (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary). Near Mbabane, admire the Royal Palace & Kings Mausoleum from the vehicle. Overnight in Ezulwini Valley, the Kingdom’s tourist area. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the valley bears this name certainly has its share of hedonistic delights.

Main Destination:

• Ezulwini Valley (Highlight, Swaziland)

Accommodation:

• Mantenga Lodge
• Mid-range lodge located in or near Ezulwini Valley

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Day 6

Lake St Lucia & river boat safari

After breakfast you visit the Swaziland candle factory and “House of fire”. Before departing for St Lucia situated along the tropical coast of Zulu land. En route you visit a typical Swazi village and orphanage run by a lady who has no NGO or governmental aid but some how has given hope to many orphan children. An authentic experience that will leave you with fond memories of her courage.
Upon arrival you take a cruise on the St. Lucia wetlands, home to a multitude of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and a World Heritage Site. It is in this complex ecosystem where bush meets beach, mangrove and sand forests are home to a stupendous diversity of wildlife and flora. You have the opportunity to encounter hippos, crocodiles, eagles and maybe even the elusive leopard.
Upmarket B&B in the heart of St Lucia wetland park.

Main Destination:

• St Lucia (iSimangaliso WP, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• St Lucia Wetlands Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located just outside iSimangaliso WP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 7

Hluhluze Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Early morning start for St Lucia for Hluhluze / Umfolozi Park, situated in the heart of Zululand, the 2nd oldest national park in the world and home to the Big 5. World renowned for saving the white rhino from extinction.

You can spend the day exploring this 98000 hectares of wilderness accompanied by a professional ranger in a 4×4 (optional), or self – drive safari in your vehicle.

Later in the afternoon return to St Lucia village. Time to soak up the last sun rays on the beautiful beaches and forests which surround the famous estuary, or browse the shops in this beautiful village.

Main Destination:

• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• May to September (Dry season)
• High Season
• October to March (The park can get busy)
• Best Weather
• Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)
• Wildlife in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR

Accommodation:

• St Lucia Wetlands Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 8

ISimangaliso Wetland Park – Bush & Beach bonanza

This morning you enter iSimangaliso Wetland Park (the worlds most diverse park) where you can visit the eastern shores, exploring the incredible diversity with the opportunity to snorkel the world’s southern most coral reefs, home to hundreds of fish species. This is also the place where one can dive with the dolphins at Cape Vidal.

Or if the conditions are appropriate we can head north to Sodwana Bay where you have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, snorkel among the richest coral reefs on earth or if you have your PADI qualification, scuba dive.

The coastline of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the only remaining nesting site in Africa where Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles still lay their eggs. In the summer season you can partake in a night safari to visit these endangered marine animals (optional, but at our discounted price).

Main Destination:

• Isimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• St Lucia Wetlands Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located just outside iSimangaliso WP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 9

Drakensberg via Mandela Capture site & Midlands

This morning you depart for the Drakensberg mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can stop in Howick, the peaceful capital of the Natal Midlands, where the Umgeni River plunges 95 m forming a spectacular waterfall.
Then the Mandela Capture Site, where the late Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 before the famous Rivonia trial when he was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island. A monument commemorates this event that changed the course of history.
You then head to the Drakensberg a World Heritage site known to the Zulu people as uKhahlamba meaning “Barrier of Spears”, the Drakensberg forms a majestic semi-circular border between KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and the inland mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
Dinner will be waiting for you when you get back to the Mountain Retreat.

Main Destination:

• Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (Mountain Range, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Karmichael Farm
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Himeville

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 10

Drakensberg via Sani Pass (Southern Africa’s highest) into Lesotho (day trip).

Many offered and optional activities are available in this region. Which may vary depending on where you are situated or would like to be situated in the Drakensberg.
You can opt for an optional 4×4 excursion (highly recommended) and visit Lesotho for the day, via the Sani Pass, the highest in Africa, or similar if situated in the Northern Drakensberg.
Or
You can choose to go on a guided hike to the famous cave paintings left by the Bushmen of about 4000 years
Or
Trek to the Tugela Falls, the worlds highest. Note: This is only possible if you opt to stay in the Northern Berg.
Or
You visit the Golden Gate National Park, with it’s unique sandstone rock formations and wild life, browse around the pretty town of Clarence, with it’s many little restaurants. Note: This is only possible if you opt to stay in the Northern Berg.
Or
Visit the historic battle fields of the 18th century where the English, Afrikaans and Zulu armies, engaged in bloody battles.

Main Destination:

• Sani Pass (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Karmichael Farm
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Himeville

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 11

Visit Durban & Golden Mile – Cape Town

After breakfast depart for Durban, your onward journey to Cape Town (leave your vehicle at the airport).
A visit to Durban city is interesting, this would depend on departure time. Here you can visit the old City and Golden Mile (beach front promenade), a paradise for surfers and has been home to 4 world champions. Durban founded in 1830, known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases many African plant species.

I will meet you on arrival in Cape Town, time to chat, make sure you having a great time and hand over a few maps and booklets on the region.
Time to explore the city lights before enjoying one of Cape Towns amazing selection of restaurants.

Main Destination:

• Cape Town (City, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Chartfield Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Cape Town

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 12

Winelands, Stellenbosch and/or Whale Coast + Hermanus (seasonal)

Drive to Stellenbosch, a fertile area where oak trees, wheat and vines quickly replaced the giraffes, elephants, Hottentot & Khoisan people.
Today, Stellenbosch is known for its beautiful varied architecture, renowned wines and university where the language of instruction is still mainly Afrikaans.
You visit a museum, historical shop and partake in a cellar tour before travelling over the beautiful Hels Hoogte Pass on our way to Franschoek. A visit to the Huguenot Museum.

At an exceptional boutique wine farm taste local vintage including a pinotage which is South Africa’s own unique cultivar. Near Paarl stop in front of Mandela’s statue, it’s at the entrance to the prison from which he was liberated in 1990.
Paarl means “Pearl”, in Dutch, and refers to the imposing granite mountains surrounding the town. The Taal monument, dedicated to the Afrikaans language, the world’s only monument to a language

Please note it is possible to combine a half day Winelands with the Whale route tour.

Main Destination:

• Winelands (Highlight, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Chartfield Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Cape Town

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 13

Cape of Good Hope, Boat cruise, Penguins, Chapmans Peak & Groot Constantia

This Region is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional floral diversity. You follow the west coast via Clifton with a stop at Maiden’s Cove to enjoy a magnificent view of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay then to Hout Bay, a charming little town where you enjoy a cruise to Duiker Island, home to the worlds largest fur seal colony.
The scenic Chapman’s Peak Pass offers breathtaking scenery.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is where the cold Atlantic waters meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This famous landmark was named by the early Portuguese mariners.

Journeying down to the False Bay coast. You then visit the well known Boulders beach, home to Africa’s largest land based jackass penguin colony.
You finish your day with a visit to Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest Cape Dutch manor house and wine farm built by the first Governor of the Cape.

Main Destination:

• Cape of Good Hope (Cape Peninsula, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range hotel located in or near Cape of Good Hope

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 14

Cape Town historical tour, West coast, Kirstenbosch and surrounds

Today, visit Cape Town, its historical places and parks like the Dutch East Indian Garden, Castle of the Cape, South African Museum, Malay quarter, District 6 and Greenmarket Square. Before noon, visit the noon gun in action on the slopes of Signal hill, the worlds oldest canon, still in action.
You visit the only botanical garden situated in a world heritage site, this garden has more endemic plant species than any other in the world.
In the late afternoon you head along the west coast towards Blouberg where you can enjoy a “postcard” view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Table Bay.

This is your last evening in South Africa, why not participate in a drumming lesson, and authentic African dinner of many culinary dishes from across the continent, accompanied by dance, music and theatre (optional).

Main Destination:

• Cape Town (City, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range hotel located in or near Cape Town

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 15

Optional Activities and Departure

Transfer to the airport for your air transport home.

Depending on your departure time, various activities can be arranged. (rental car to be dropped at Airport)
Like Robben Island, Table mountain, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or even the Two Oceans Aquarian.
Optional activities will be offered to you at our preferential rates, discounted at around 20%. They include: Helicopter flips, Hot air ballooning, Shark cage diving, Whale cruises and more.

Main Destination:

• Cape Town International Airport (Airport/Airstrip, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included